ABSTRACT
Currently, the relationship between leadership, CSR and sustainable entrepreneurship has not been adequately investigated both within the theoretical and empirical perspectives. Leadership has rarely been considered as a key factor for effective CSR strategies or a feature to explain the success of sustainable entrepreneurship experiences. Starting from these premises, the chapter addresses the theme of leadership and its influence on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and sustainability-oriented strategies. Specifically, it seeks to analyse and point out, through a deductive and literature-based approach, the relevance of the ethical and moral leadership models with respect to the diffusion of CSR and sustainable entrepreneurship. “How does leadership enhance CSR? “Are ethical and virtues-based models of leadership effective in developing CSR and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship? These questions guide the critical review of the different leadership approaches, linking ethical and moral-based leadership to the CSR and sustainable entrepreneurship discourses. The propositions drawn from the analysis point out the relevance of an authentic orientation and a moral and virtues-based leadership approach in implementing CSR and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.
